March 18th Discovery Shuttle Launch

[LSmith]

For those of you going to Florida for March Break there is supposed to be a shuttle launch from the Kennedy Space Center on March 18 at 1:30 pm.

Our family watched one from Cocoa Beach in April, 1998 and it was very cool. We got a great day at the beach and got to see a launch. We hope to see this one as well.

You can also watch it at KSC.

Here is a link that hopefully will work.

http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/e...2010/3/0/ea22fa6a-c5ea-486e-98ea-c80a8cce4773

 

[mkmommy]

We will be getting off the Wonder March 18, so maybe we will spend the day in Cape Canaveral, hope it is not delayed.


We tried to see a launch in 1999 and it was cancelled at the last moment, but we did get to see it from the shuttle to the airport and even from there it was impressive.

 

[LSmith]

We will be getting off the Wonder March 18, so maybe we will spend the day in Cape Canaveral, hope it is not delayed.


We tried to see a launch in 1999 and it was cancelled at the last moment, but we did get to see it from the shuttle to the airport and even from there it was impressive.

That might just work out perfectly for you.

I really hope this one isn't cancelled. We might fly my father down there for a few days just to see it. He would be thrilled.

 

[dvcdisney]

I noticed that on their site. We are definitely planning to see it, but most likely from Disney.

However, I do find that it is much better when the launch is in the evening. There was a launch in the evening during our last disney trip and we watched it, among many other guests, while we were on the bridge at the World Showcase in Epcot. It was absolutely amazing. It was far clearer to see than during the day.

 

[Ted in Halifax]

You can see this from Disney?

 

[LSmith]

You can see this from Disney?

During the day is not the best spot to view as someone else stated. Driving somewhere around the coast near Cape Canaveral would be the ideal location. Cocoa Beach is a perfect spot to watch because you get a beach day and a shuttle launch. You can also watch it from Kennedy Space Centre which is a very cool attraction even without the shuttle launch.

When we saw the launch in '98 we just rented a car for the day on Disney property and drove from there. Not sure off hand but approximately an hour drive.

Since we mostly stay off property now we always rent a car and always go to Cocoa Beach. Saw two dolphins last year.

 

[Ted in Halifax]

Epcot -> Beer -> Space shuttle

 

[dvcdisney]

You can see this from Disney?

Definitely. We have seen it quite a few times. Twice from Epcot...perfect place is on the International Bridge near the Epcot Resort Entrance (International gateway). Once from MK (wasn't a good view of it, it was daytime and just a couple of light flashes). Another from the Polynesian resort - it was night and it was amazing.

But I found the best one was when we were at the SAB at BC - at night, we got out of the pool and walk over to the beach area and watched it. We were able to see it fly up, then we can clearly see when they detached. It was cool!

 

[Ted in Halifax]

Sold on the idea! March 18th is Epcot afternoon!

 

[rjan67]

We saw it last year in New Smyrna Beach! This year we will be sailing back from St. Thomas...I wonder if we will see it from the boat!

 

[hcoker1]

We saw last year's launch from Fort Lauderdale. It is a good 3 1/2 to 4 hours south of the Cape and we saw it very clearly. We could even tell when the rockets detached. I can't wait to see it from Disney and so much closer. I saw the very first shuttle launch when I was a kid when we were at WDW when it was only Magic Kingdom. (boy had things changed when I went last year for the first time in 29 years!!)
If you haven't been to Kennedy Space Centre, I recommend the trip. It was very interesting and the rockets are both extremely large and surprising small (the cockpits) at the same time.

 

[LSmith]

I found a very informative site showing the best viewing locations near or at KSC. It also shows photos taken from each spot to show you your view and photo opportunities.

http://www.launchphotography.com/Shuttle_Launch_Viewing.html

 

[Louiepipbgeeco]

Saw it last March from DTD--Cool
My DD took a video and it turned out well. This year we will be getting off the Wonder on the 18th and staying in Cocoa Beach that night.So, looking forward to this launch.

 

[dvcdisney]

Sold on the idea! March 18th is Epcot afternoon!

If you stand on the bridge and face the water straight ahead (where illuminations takes place) you will see it to the right a bit. Hopefully, it will be more visible...since it's in the mid afternoon, it may not be as clear. Binoculars may be a good idea. We've never used one, but it may make it clearer. When we saw it during the daytime, we saw it moving up and then a flash of light....but we didn't see the other part fall away. However, at night, it was quite visible.

By the way, we'll probably be there too.

 

[stefanospops]

Dangit! We fly back on March 17th!

 

[wtpfan]

Just an idea for those of you who want to watch a launch...We were in Florida last March and DH and DS went to watch the launch and loved it! DD and I stayed at our Disney Resort because we didn't feel like driving to Cocoa beach. The guys were more into it. Even though they got a couple pics, the next morning we bought the Orlando Sentinel and there was a beautiful picture on the front page. We brought it home and laminated it...a great keepsake for DS! It is something he will never forget. Enjoy!

 

[weewuvvdisney]

On one of our trips a many years ago, we saw the shuttle.

We stood in the parking lot of the All Star Music (I think it was Music that time). It was amazing to see the the fire in the sky. As in the picture posted above, that is what you see.

We had gone to KSC a few days earlier not realizing that there was to be a launch. We saw the shuttle from a distance since the tour buses were not allowed anywhere nearby. We made sure that we were outside when the launch was taking place not even knowing if we would see it. We sure did!